The Ghana Immigration Service has recorded significant operational and institutional gains under the leadership of its Comptroller-General of Immigration, Samuel Basintale Amadu, one year after his appointment in March 2025.
His appointment by President John Dramani Mahama marked the beginning of a reform agenda focused on strengthening border security, improving operational efficiency, and modernising immigration systems.
According to the Service, the mandate given to the Comptroller-General included enhancing intelligence-led operations, boosting inter-agency collaboration, dismantling transnational criminal networks, and accelerating the digitalisation of visa and permit processes.
Record Revenue And Permit Issuance
One year into his tenure, the Service has made notable financial and operational gains. GIS generated over GH¢546 million in revenue, largely driven by reforms in visa and permit processing.
A total of 186,959 permits and visas were issued, representing a 32.5 per cent increase over the previous year. The growth has been attributed to digital infrastructure upgrades, automation, and improved processing systems that have reduced turnaround times and enhanced transparency.
The Service also managed over 2.8 million passenger movements across Ghana’s entry points without major incidents, supporting national initiatives such as the “December in Ghana” tourism drive.
Enhanced Border Security And Enforcement
Strengthening border security has remained a key focus under Mr Amadu’s leadership. Coordinated operations led to several interceptions of smuggled goods, narcotics, ammunition, and other contraband items.
Some of the seized items included 1,401 bags and jerrycans of smuggled cocoa beans, 1,398 packs of Tramadol, 88 parcels of suspected Indian hemp, 725 cartridges of ammunition, and other illicit goods.
Additionally, 909 individuals, both Ghanaians and foreign nationals, were intercepted at entry points and checkpoints. A total of 7,204 inspections conducted across facilities also led to the arrest of 3,533 individuals for immigration-related offences.
Intelligence And Fraud Detection
The Service has also strengthened its intelligence and enforcement capacity. A total of 666 intelligence requests were processed in collaboration with partner agencies, while 29 cases were prosecuted, resulting in 28 convictions.
Offences included illegal entry, fraud, QNET-related scams, and cybercrime, with court-ordered repatriations enforced where necessary.
The Document Fraud Expertise Centre examined 932 suspected cases, with 35.2 per cent confirmed as fraudulent, highlighting both the prevalence of document fraud and the Service’s improved detection capabilities.
Capacity Building And Training
Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General, more than 970 officers have received specialised training locally and internationally in areas such as counter-terrorism, crisis management, and border security.
The Service also collaborated with the Youth Employment Agency and the National Ambulance Service to train Community-based Medical First Responders.
Additionally, partnerships with international bodies, including the European Union Security and Defence Initiative, have supported Train-the-Trainer programmes aimed at strengthening internal capacity.
Infrastructure Expansion And International Collaboration
The Ghana Immigration Service has also embarked on infrastructure projects across several regions, including Tema, Kumasi, Tamale, Cape Coast, Sunyani, Sekondi-Takoradi, and Damongo, to improve operational efficiency and decentralisation.
On the international front, the Service has strengthened partnerships with organisations such as the International Organization for Migration and engaged in exchanges with agencies from countries including Rwanda, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.
The Road Ahead
Looking ahead, the Service is advancing reforms under initiatives such as Project SECOBOR (Secure Our Borders), a public-private partnership aimed at addressing gaps in logistics, surveillance, and infrastructure.
Plans are also underway to introduce a private mutual health insurance scheme and a staff endowment fund to improve officer welfare and institutional sustainability.
The Service says these efforts reflect a broader shift towards a technology-driven, intelligence-led, and more responsive immigration system.
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